Many golfers that had played a few rounds during April, had witnessed extremely fast and smooth green speeds. The speeds not only at Forest Lake C.C. but in neighboring courses were some of the fastest greens on record. We maintained the greens, with frequent topdressing and rolling, but the major factor allowing these conditions to be possible were the cool dry nights and days through April keeping the playing surfaces firm and from growing.
On May 2nd the warmth and humidity arrived waking up the dormant greens. Followed by 1.5 inches of rain on May 3rd, conditions were perfect for the grass to start growing.
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| Mowing Greens |
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| Grass clippings from 1 Green |
Although our greens speeds have slowed down from the growth and moisture they are still rolling smooth. Golfers perception is comparing them to the dry, fast, and firm greens we benefited from in April, making them appear relatively slow.
We also maintain the golf course greens in the morning for daily play. As the day progresses the grass starts to grow, slowing down the greens for the evening golfer. Comparable to a clean shave in the morning becoming a 5 O'clock shadow come night time.
The Annual Bluegrass (POA) on our greens have also started to push out seed. We apply growth regulators preventatively early spring to minimize seed head, but results are never 100%. Seed head on greens can cause bumpy playing surfaces. The stalky nature of the plant and seed also affects the quality of cut on our shorter mowed surfaces.
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| POA Seed head - close up |
We will be working hard at trying to maintain the balance of aggressively growing turf, with cultural practices. The spring time yearly provides us with similar challenges. Our goal is to always provide consistent fast smooth greens, and the best playing conditions possible.
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